The Shards of War: Balancing Power

Chapter 6

As they settled into the studio, Shai couldn't help but notice Matsu's increased affection towards Calie and Marie. Curiosity getting the better of her, she approached Matsu, asking, "What's up with you today? You're being unusually affectionate."

Matsu grinned, glancing at Shai. "Ever notice my dad being more affectionate to my mom when you visited us? Especially during a full moon?"

Shai nodded, recalling those moments. "Yeah, I noticed. What's that got to do with you?"

Matsu blushed slightly, hesitating for a moment before explaining, "It's a firefly thing. During a full moon, we tend to become more affectionate with our partners. It's, uh, nature's way of promoting better chances of... closeness."

Shai raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk forming on her lips. "Closeness, huh? You're blushing, Matsu. Never took you for the shy type."

Matsu scratched the back of his head, trying to play it off. "Well, it's a private matter. Just thought I'd share a bit of firefly trivia with you."

Shai chuckled, patting Matsu on the shoulder. "Alright, keep your secrets. But if it's making you all happy, then it's a good thing. Now, let's focus on our work for today."

Then Shai's eyes widened as realization dawned on her, and she blurted out, "Wait, you mean like, intimate moments, like, sex?"

Matsu's face turned several shades of red as he stammered, "I, uh, well... yeah, kinda."

Calie and Marie burst into laughter, teasing Matsu for his unintentional revelation. "Well, well, Mr. Matsu Kagayaki, sharing some spicy details with Shai, are we?" Calie teased.

Matsu shot them a playful glare. "Hey, it's not like I planned to spill the beans. It just... came up."

Shai, amused by the situation, chimed in, "Well, well, Matsu, who would've thought you'd be the one to enlighten me on the intimate habits of fireflies. Quite the unexpected turn of events."

Calie and Marie continued to giggle, and Matsu, still blushing, defended himself, "Come on, can we drop this already?"

But Calie shook her head, smiling. "No way. We like it. It's nice that you're more open with your affection. Even in public. It's sweet."

Marie nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Matsu, we know you can't control it, and honestly, we wouldn't want you to. We love it."

Matsu's embarrassment was evident, but he couldn't help but crack a smile. "Well, as long as it doesn't make things weird for you two."

Calie hugged him, planting a kiss on his cheek. "Not at all. We love you, Matsu, quirks and all."

Marie joined in the hug, echoing Calie's sentiment, "Exactly. You're stuck with us, full moon antics and everything."

Shai, intrigued by the newfound information, raised an eyebrow. "So, how does it affect you exactly? You're pretty young, right?"

Matsu sighed, realizing he had opened a can of worms. "Well, it's a bit embarrassing, but during puberty, it just makes me more excited, you know, energetic. Then, as I get older, it makes me more affectionate, especially towards a romantic partner if I have one. And finally, as I reach adulthood..." He paused, hesitating for a moment before continuing, "Let's just say, I get VERY affectionate."

Calie and Marie exchanged mischievous glances, thoroughly enjoying Matsu's discomfort. Calie smirked, "So, you're telling us that you'll become even more cuddly and affectionate as you get older?"

Matsu scratched the back of his head, blushing. "Yeah, something like that."

Marie sarcastically added with a teasing grin, "Well it sounds like we'll need to prepare for some intense cuddle sessions in the future."